So you’ve decided to bring home a new puppy, Congratulations! But are you ready for this bundle of joy in your life? Here are some things you need to consider as you bring your new puppy home:

Get down on your hands and knees and look for anything that could be dangerous for a 2-year-old child and move it to a safe place. Check for electrical cords, plants, cleaning solutions, etc. Put child safety latches on any cabinets containing cleaners or chemicals.

If you don't already have a veterinarian, you'll need to pick one. Your puppy will be seeing the vet a lot in the first year. We’ve included your puppy’s vaccine and de-worming records in your paperwork, bring these with you on your first visit to the vet.

If its been a while since you've raised a puppy it is a good idea to brush up on your training skills. Well-behaved dogs don't magically appear -- they take work on your part.

Buy one that matches the breed you chose, one that isn't too large or too cramped, a proper sized crate will make housebreaking easier.

Get a collar specifically made for puppies, one that can expand as she grows. No choke collars for small puppies! A standard 6-foot leash is the best for a puppy.

Pick out a few to entertain your puppy. Make sure the toys don't have small pieces that can be broken off and swallowed.

Several types of food/water bowls are available, stainless steel and glazed crockery are the easiest to keep clean. Plastic bowls can sometimes harbor bacteria if they become scratched, and are also more easily tipped over.

Feed a high quality Puppy Ration like IAMS PUPPY, EUKANUBA,or PEDIGREE Puppy. Discuss with your puppy's veterinarian what food to choose, switching foods suddenly can cause diarrhea. If you do change foods, make the switch slowly. Also it’s not a good idea to get in the habit of feeding table scraps to your new puppy as it will usually decrease the pups appetite for the vitamin rich pet food it needs during the developmental first year.

The actual amount of puppy food per feeding may vary depending on the size/breed of pet you have. But the most important thing is that your new puppy gets all that it wants during this important developing period, (8 wks - 1 yr), of fresh food and fresh clean water. We recommend keeping the water/feed in an area near the pups bed and be sure to allow your new puppy plenty of time alone to eat, rest, and learn the new surroundings of this new home. We recommend leaving fresh dry ration available all day and soft or canned food in small amounts or as a treat once or twice daily.

Think of your new puppy just as you would a new baby in your home. Totally depending on you for every need. If your puppy isn’t eating, drinking, resting, or playing normally, there’s usually a reason. EARLY DETECTION is the key with these little guys.

Be aware of any special needs your pet may have. A little research will go a long way toward helping you and your pet have a long, healthy life together. One example of these special needs is occasional hypoglycemia among tiny toys and terriers during the first twelve weeks of age. The recommended easy remedy is simply to add HONEY daily to their diet as a natural blood sugar elevator. We do this as a healthy precaution with all tiny toy puppies.

Information and advice contained on this site is for your consideration only. Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet.

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